Integrated wavelength division multiplexed receiver array having pluggable transmitters

ABSTRACT

A housing that includes separated and removable transmitter modules, and common receiver circuitry. The receiver is common to all modules, but the modules can be removed and replaced to allow different frequencies and the like. Each module also includes its own heat handling mechanism such as a heat sink.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority from provisional application No. 60/292,187, filed May 18, 2001.

BACKGROUND

Wavelength division multiplexed hardware can operate multiple different formats. However, it may be difficult to determine in advance which kinds of hardware are necessary for different applications. For example, WDM applications may benefit from scalable transponders. These transponders may operate according to multiple formats. They may operate at different wavelengths, and different wavelength spacings.

SUMMARY

The present application teaches a special module in which a WDM receiver array with pluggable transmitters is formed. The module enables multiple different transmitter modules to be selectively used and substituted for any others. Any of those may be added or substituted. A single transponder solution may be used for all of the modules.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other aspects will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a diagram of a module has assembled to include a plurality of transmitter modules;

FIG. 2 shows a top view of the transmitter modules;

FIG. 3 shows a bottom view of the transmitter modules;

FIG. 4 shows an assembled transmitter module including a cover over the receiver parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An embodiment is shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 1 shows the basic chassis 100 which may store between 1 and 4 transmitter modules or other modules. A wave locker 105 may be common to the entire chassis assembly. The assembly may also include receiver components 110 such as a receiver array and couplers. A plurality of slide-in WDM transceiver modules 115, 120, 125, 130 are shown. The system may operate with one or more of these devices.

The specific transmitter assembly is shown in FIG. 2. Each transmitter assembly 200 includes a self-contained casing 201. The casing includes a front interface portion 206 as well as a rear connection portion 207. The connection portion 207 may include connector elements which enable connection to receive power and signals from the common components within the housing 100. A heat sink part 205 may be associated with the transmitter module to dissipate the heat produced thereby. The device may also include a connector part 302 as well as orientation and slide assembly 304. The slide assembly 304 may include surfaces such as 305 which maintain the proper registration of the module 200 so that it may align properly and slide properly into the receiving connector on the board. For example, FIG. 1 shows the slide and interface assembly 304 being connected into a corresponding mating connector 306 on the board. This may have the effect of holding the interface assembly in its connected location.

Significant advantages may be obtained from the system. The receiver may be associated with multiple changeable transmitters. One or more changeable transmitters may be used. The system may have significant scalability. For example, the operation may start with one wavelength, and build on that to add other wavelengths and/or other types or schemes of transmission. Inventory management may also be simplified, since many different types of transmission may be contained in the different devices. In addition, since the modules may be easily replaceable, submodule failure may be easily cured by carrying spares. In addition, since each of the different transmitters are physically separated, and contains its own heat sink (heat management part) any overheating caused to one module is not necessarily transmitted to the other modules. FIG. 1 shows a small space 116 being left between the modules 115, 120. In this way, a single module overheating might not cause failure of the entire assembly.

FIG. 4 shows the entire module with a cover 400 covering the receiver assembly portions 105, 110. This cover may be detachable to expose the underlying modules for removal. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a housing, including a single wave locker and receiver complements, operating to receive signals, and having a plurality of transmitter connection locations, each of said transmitter connection locations including surfaces which are adapted to hold a removable transmitter into place, and including a connector, which provides power and receives signals from a connected transmitter; and a plurality of different removable transmitter assemblies, having outer surfaces which are sized for connection to said surfaces of said housing, and receiving power from said connector, carrying out a transmitting operation, and providing signal to said connector, each of said transmitter assemblies including heat dissipating elements, and said housing sized such that each two adjacent transmitter assemblies are spaced by a predetermined amount.
 2. A system as in claim 1, wherein at least a plurality of said different removable transmitter assemblies operate at a different frequency.
 3. A system, comprising: a housing; transmitter assemblies each having a transmitter to produce an optical signal and removably mounted in said housing, wherein each transmitter assembly includes its own heat sing which is removable from said housing along with said each transmitter assembly; a common receiver mounted in said housing and associated with said transmitter assemblies; and a single wavelocker mounted in said housing and associated with said transmitter assemblies. 